Driving safely in icy conditions - advice from police experts

With a wintry January forecast, police driving experts are advising motorists to take extra precautions, with the following specific advice for driving in icy conditions.

General precautions

In winter check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather.

DO NOT drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey. Take an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down.

Before you set off

You MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows

You MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible

Make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly

Remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users

Check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted.

When driving in icy or snowy weather:

Drive with care, even if the roads have been treated

Keep well back from the road user in front as stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads

Take care when overtaking vehicles spreading salt or other de-icer, particularly if you are riding a motorcycle or cycle

Watch out for snowploughs which may throw out snow on either side. Do not overtake them unless the lane you intend to use has been cleared

Be prepared for the road conditions to change over relatively short distances

Listen to travel bulletins and take note of variable message signs that may provide information about weather, road and traffic conditions ahead.

Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. Avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control.

You should:

Drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible; accelerate and brake very gently

Drive particularly slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely.

Brake progressively on the straight before you reach a bend. Having slowed down, steer smoothly round the bend, avoiding sudden actions

Check your grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice by choosing a safe place to brake gently.

If the steering feels unresponsive this may indicate ice and your vehicle losing its grip on the road. When travelling on ice, tyres make virtually no noise.